The post Xu An remembered most clearly, and the one that gained the most traction online after Lighthouse gained internet access, was that current humans were being farmed by extraterrestrial beings.
The post presented well-reasoned arguments, using Lighthouse as an example to illustrate that modern human technology could not possibly create the lighthouse. It also cited numerous pieces of related evidence in an attempt to prove that the lighthouse was an extraterrestrial artifact.
However, the post was deleted shortly thereafter. The very act of deleting the post led many to lean towards this theory, claiming that Lighthouse was deleting it out of guilt. But the controversy surrounding this matter was quickly quelled. As housing prices and food costs continued to soar, people began to realize that instead of dwelling on the ethereal concept of aliens, addressing their immediate need for sustenance was far more important. Some optimists even chimed in, suggesting that if aliens were indeed farming them, accepting life as slaves without the need to earn trading coins wouldn't be entirely unacceptable.
At the time, Xu An read these sentiments of wanting to "lie flat" and found them not entirely unreasonable. However, once they reached the second level, these ten people truly understood how excessively surprised and ridiculous they had been in the past. Compared to the technology here, the aforementioned advancements were merely child's play, just the tip of an iceberg visible within their scope of vision.
The bionic humans walked at a pace as if precisely calculated, never too slow, yet never allowing the others to fall behind. Xu An had observed them carefully; the stride of these bionic humans was almost identical with every step. Since the spatial tree had absorbed those glowing mushrooms, Xu An noticed that her physique was gradually being strengthened.
Before long, they were led into a milky white building. Unlike the other oddly shaped structures, this towering building before them was plain and somewhat unremarkable. The only distinguishing feature was its immense height, with the very top of the building almost piercing the pinnacle of Lighthouse.
"This way, please," a stiff voice echoed again. The bionic human, with an expressionless face, gestured for the ten people behind him to proceed inside. Zhou Hao turned to look at the group behind him, and through their exchanged glances, he took the lead into the small white building. The nine people behind him let out a long sigh of relief and followed Zhou Hao in. Initially, they had only been motivated by the two hundred thousand trading coins in the prize pool, but now, it seemed the situation was gradually slipping out of their control.
They filed onto a lifting platform, following the bionic humans in front. Unlike ordinary elevators, the lifting platform had a vast space, as if deliberately designed with ample room. The surroundings were merely adorned with a row of symbolic handrails, which looked rather flimsy, and no one dared to lean towards the sides. Everyone gathered in the center, refraining from moving around. Only Xu An knew that the exterior was not empty but was covered by an invisible, film-like protective shell. However, no one noticed, and Xu An did not make a sound.
As the lifting platform slowly ascended, it finally came to a halt on a level filled with a rose garden. The group exchanged bewildered glances, looking at the sprawling rose garden before them, hesitant to move. It wasn't until a voice, tinged with age, sounded that Xu An followed the sound to see an elder with white hair, appearing to be in his fifties, slowly walking towards them. Behind the elder stood several military officers who exuded an undeniable aura of dignity.
"You have arrived."
Xu An felt that the person before her was somewhat familiar, yet she couldn't quite place his image in her mind. As she was contemplating this, a soft gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd.
"You... aren't you..."
The elder smiled slightly, his face radiating kindness, and placed his cane before him. Despite his smiling demeanor, he possessed an imposing presence. The person who had spoken was Zhou Qian. Seeing Zhou Qian's reaction, those around her turned their heads, silently inquiring with their eyes, "Do you know him?" Even Xu An turned her head to look at Zhou Qian. Only Zhou Haimei maintained her usual impassive expression. Zhou Qian's voice whispered into her ear, and following the sound of her voice, Xu An looked up at the elder again, but her gaze turned to one of profound respect.
"Isn't that the person who always appears on TV?"
Zhou Qian's voice was not loud, but it was enough for everyone present to hear clearly. The words did not need to be overly explicit; everyone present understood the identity of the elder before them. Even the usually proud Zhou Haimei, upon seeing this person, could not help but become respectful.
"Hahaha, it seems you young people haven't forgotten about this old man."
The elder was Tang Xiuwei. Zhou Qian gave an embarrassed smile. She had incidentally seen Tang Xiuwei on television before, but unlike now, Tang Xiuwei had been remarkably upright and sturdy. Even though he was over fifty, his face always held a determined and resolute expression. This was a stark contrast to his current frail and aged appearance, making Zhou Qian almost doubt if she had recognized him incorrectly.
"Come in quickly, don't stand outside," Tang Xiuwei said, leading the way. The two individuals accompanying him had not spoken a word from beginning to end, nor had they even blinked. Some people were curiously whispering behind him, but the distance between them was too short, so the elder, who was full of vigor, heard every word of their conversation. However, Tang Xiuwei said nothing, merely explaining with a smile.
"These two are my former subordinates, and now they are under orders to protect me. This old man, what need do I have for protection? They are just making a fuss."
Xu An was surprised by Tang Xiuwei's approachability, as he lacked any of the official demeanor she had expected. However, looking to the side, she noticed Zhou Haimei's habitually accustomed expression. She couldn't help but think to herself that there seemed to be a prior acquaintance between Zhou Haimei and Tang Xiuwei. As expected, the elder turned, his gaze falling upon Zhou Haimei as if noticing her for the first time, and nodded at her with satisfaction.
"Little girl, you've grown so much!"
Zhou Haimei suppressed her inner excitement, stood perfectly straight, and replied, "Uncle Tang, hello." This address instantly bridged the gap between them. Everyone present, including Xu An, marveled at the relationship between Zhou Haimei and the elder, but no one dared to inquire at that moment.
Before long, the elder led everyone to a massive wall covered in intricate patterns. For some reason, Xu An had felt a sense of tightness in her chest from the moment they were at the entrance. The closer she got to the room before them, the stronger her reaction became, as if something before her both repelled and frightened her. Yet, she knew clearly that this was not her own emotion; it was the spatial tree guiding her. It wasn't until she reached this enormous door, adorned with mysterious patterns, that the mysterious guiding force of the spatial tree vanished without a trace. No matter how much Xu An called out to it in her mind, there was no response.